Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in collaboration with Interferry, the global ferry association, has commenced an 18-month ferry safety development and mentoring programme for 50 ferry professionals.

Speaking at the official launch of the programme, the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Damilola Emmanuel, said: “Today, we are not just launching a programme we are making history with Africa’s very first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Program. Once again, Lagos sets the pace for the continent.

“The Blue Economy stands at the heart of this administration’s bold vision for Lagos. As Special Adviser overseeing LASWA, I take immense pride in championing this landmark initiative, driven by the Governor’s unwavering mandate.

Ensuring the safety of everyone who journeys on our waterways is not just a duty it is a calling. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to this cause with renewed vigor and ambition.

“Over the next 18 months, fifty exceptional ferry professionals will embark on a transformative journey of training and mentorship, guided by world-class experts from Interferry and Nigeria’s leading maritime institutions. Among them are captains, deckhands, marine engineers, safety officers, and fleet managers each vital to our mission.

“This structured, hybrid training program blends self-paced learning, dynamic online mentorship, and hands-on practical sessions. Together, these pioneers will ignite a new era of safety culture on Lagos’s waterways.

“Our partnership with Interferry is a source of immense pride. Their IMO consultative status guarantees that our ferry operators are trained to the world’s highest standards. This collaboration is a testament to Lagos’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding every passenger, on every vessel, every single day.”

Emmanuel informed the fifty participants picked for the training to understand that they bear both great honour and profound responsibility.

Programme Coordinator, Engineer Ukeme Sunday, said the inclusion of leadership training was intentional, noting that technical knowledge must be complemented by the ability to manage people and enforce safety procedures.

Speaking on behalf on Interferry, Mrs. Shari Corrigan said that in developing the modules for the training, a team from Interferry came to Nigeria to study the Lagos lagoon after which the training materials were developed along with what was observed.

In his goodwill message, Commander Samuel Iluyemi, commended the partnership that leads to the training of the officer on safety saying it has reinforced the position that safety is a key pillar in water transportation.